Updates to income support rules come into effect

As of 1 July 2024, two sets of regulations have come into force that aim to streamline the income assistance program in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

They contain:

Changes to current income support regulations
New rules on income support for seniors and people with disabilities

As announced in June, these changes will increase benefit levels and income tax-free allowances and reduce barriers to accessing income assistance in the Northwest Territories.

The changes to the legislation are outlined in this plain language summary. The amendments were made based on feedback received during engagement sessions with a range of partners and stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, non-governmental organisations, current and former customers, owners and vendors, North West Government departments and the public.

The public was also invited to review the proposed regulations as part of the Have Your Say engagement opportunity. The findings of this extensive review of the Income Assistance scheme were then summarised in the What We Heard report.

The goal of these changes is to improve the availability of income assistance programs across the country, ensure that residents who need assistance most have the opportunity for greater financial security, and enable clients to fully participate in their community and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

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